My Mamacita, How Can I Ever Thank Her Enough. . .

My mom is full of love.  Giving to everyone she meets.  Generous with her time.  A true example of charity.  I could write a whole book about the small and big things she's done for people.      

My mom is one talented woman.  So creative - whether it be sewing, crafting, planning singing time for the children at church, home improvements, etc.  When she tries something new, she succeeds.

My mom is a delicious cook and baker.  And she'll take the time to make it from scratch . . . and doesn't even care how many dishes she is dirtying in the process.  :)  She can even "throw a meal together" from seemingly nothing, and it's still turns out delish!

My mom can get out the toughest stains.  Seriously, try her.  Actually, don't.  She's kind of got a lot going on right now.  hehe.

My mom is amazing with children.  All children.  She bakes with them, stays patient with them, plays silly games with them, does messy projects with them.  She loves their sweet spirits.  My kids are so, so lucky to have her for a Grandma! 

My mom is thrifty.  She loves a good deal.  She knows the difference between wants and needs.  She doesn't get caught up in materialistic things of the world.

My mom is fun, energetic and young at heart.  People, myself included, love the spunk and happiness she shares.  And, she is hilarious!  Spending time with her, it is rare that I don't bust up laughing at least once.  :) 

My mom is thoughtful and smart.  She loves to read and learn about new things.  When asked for advice, she'll help you see all sides of an issue, and stay unbiased in the process.  

My mom is spiritual and faithful.  She gives God the glory for all good things in her life.  She lives her religion daily. 

My mom is all of these things and so much more.  I wish I was more like her, in so many ways.  And I try.  When I think of her life, and all she's been through and experienced, and the kindness and strength and faith she has shown. . . I feel so inspired by her.   

I wonder how I got so lucky to have a mom like her?  Would my life have turned out the same without her love and support?

When I was little, I think of many happy memories thanks to my mom - parks, picnics, wonderful holidays made extra special by my mom, fresh baked cookies after school, reading books at bedtime, songs, teaching us hard work, movie nights, homemade dresses for me and my cabbage patch kid, bike rides, summer trips up to Marquette, and so much more.

When I was a teenager, I knew I could talk to my mom about anything (even if I'd just done some lame teenage-ish thing), and she would try to understand.  I know that not all of my friends felt the same way about their own mothers, and understand now how luck I was/am.  My mom always tried to remind me what's truly important in life, and to see the big picture - which is easy to loose track of during the teenage years.  

When I was thinking of going on a mission - something I never, ever considered doing until I was almost 20 - my mom was completely supportive.  Just that I had the desire to serve, then going away for a year and a half - my mom was excited, supportive, joyful, proud (in a humble way :).  She told me it felt like I was fulfilling one of her dreams that she had not had the opportunity to do.  So sweet. 

When I decided to marry Ethan, my mom was so excited and just saw all the good and positive in him.  (And she pretty much planned, and pulled off a beautiful ring ceremony/reception all on her own . . . in only two months time! :)  She is so supportive of us as a couple, and finds ways to show Ethan that she loves having him as part of the family too. 

When I was finishing school at NMU, and had Anna with four semesters to go, my mom babysat for us when Ethan and my schedule overlapped.  EVEN the semester I student taught . . . which was about 20 hours a week of babysitting for four months!  What a blessing!  Would I have finished school without her help at that time?  

When I found out Ethan got accepted into Physical Therapy school, right away we knew his last year would consist of a whole lot of clinical placements, moving around, etc.  And right away, my parents offered to have the kids and I stay with them that third year (which we are currently living through right now :).  Immediately and selflessly, they offered to help us when Ethan would need to be away.  And my mom has been amazing!  It's been so much more help and support than I realized we'd need - from the complicated pregnancy, to the complicated birth, to the complicated start to Caleb's life.  I seriously, seriously could not have done it without her, which I've mentioned many times before.  I am so grateful for the close relationship we have; for the unconditional love they show me and my family!  How can I ever repay her (and my dad) for this year?!  I sometimes feel guilty about everything my mom has done for us. . . we're always in her space this year. . . plus Anna and Benjamin always look for her and want to be with her . . . plus she's lost out on some sleep since we've moved in (not always because of our family. . . but still, rough year!), which is very important to her.  hehe.  Plus, plus, plus.  BUT listen to this - a few months ago she shared her testimony at church about eternal families, and specifically mentioned how blessed she felt to have us living with them this year.  She got choked up explaining she felt like it was such a blessing that she had another chance to help raise and influence kids, her grandkids, even for a short time.  Soooo, I'm feeling guilty about all she's done for us, and she's getting emotional because she feels so blessed to have us with her!  My mom is so full of LOVE!  How could I have made it through this year without my sweet, sweet momma?!   

You know, I feel like this journal entry is just not capturing everything I feel, and love, and admire about my mom.  But, what more can I say?  I love her.  I am grateful for her.  Things haven't always been perfect between us, but if we've had arguments we're quickly over them, and back to our close, comfortable relationship.  I mean, good grief, we've been stuffed in to one house for the past 8 months and we still get along!  :)  I love talking with her.  I love spending time with her.  I love seeing her be a Grammy to my sweeties.  I love her. 

Mom - thank you.  You are amazing and I am blessed to be your daughter.